UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

London - A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday.

The explosion occurred near Sangin in Helmand Province on Friday, though the death was not connected to the ongoing Operation Mushtarak to crush the Taliban insurgency, the MoD added in a statement.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that yesterday a British soldier from 3 RIFLES died as a result of an explosion in Sangin, northern Helmand," said Task Force Helmand Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield.

"He was on a foot patrol to the south-west of Patrol Base Blenheim when he was struck by an explosion. He died in the course of his duty and among his comrades. He will be sorely missed and we will remember him."

Next of kin have been informed.

The death brings to 269 the number of British troops killed since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.